Peatudes

Peatudes are a term used in peatland ecology to describe a functional group of minute invertebrates that inhabit the surface layer of peat bogs and fens. The concept is used to discuss organisms that contribute to litter breakdown and nutrient cycling within the highly waterlogged, acidic peat environment. Peatudes are typically a few tenths of a millimeter to a few millimeters in length, with soft, elongated bodies and, in some species, faint segmentation or bristle-like setae. They inhabit the acrotelm, the upper living layer of peat, where moisture and oxygen levels fluctuate with rainfall and water level.

Ecology and biology: Peatudes feed on detritus, biofilms, and microalgae, and they can influence the rate of organic matter turnover in peatlands. Through movement and grazing, they assist in fragmenting plant material and promoting microbial access to nutrients. Their activity can affect the texture and porosity of the peat, and indirectly, the carbon dynamics of the ecosystem. Peatude communities are sensitive to hydrology, pH, and pollution, making them useful as indicators of peatland health.

Taxonomy and research status: Peatudes are not a formal taxonomic group, but a practical, informal category used by researchers to discuss certain microfauna with similar ecological roles in peatlands. The term appears in ecological syntheses and teaching materials to illustrate how diverse, small organisms contribute to peatland functioning. Ongoing studies aim to clarify their exact species composition, distribution, and responses to environmental change.

See also: peatland, bog, fens, detritivores, carbon cycling.